Exercise machine with seating and handlebar assemblies

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of an exercise machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a base supporting frame, a handlebar assembly, a seating assembly, and a stepper assembly. The base supporting frame having a front end and a rear end is adapted to be positioned on a support surface. The handlebar assembly is positioned at the front end of the base supporting frame and is adapted for the user to hold onto while the user is standing on the pedals. The seating assembly is positioned at the rear end of the base supporting frame and is adapted for a user of the exercise machine to sit on the seating assembly while the user&#39;s feet are placed on the pedals. The stepper assembly is positioned between the seating assembly and the handlebar assembly and includes a pair of first and second reciprocating pedals rotatably mounted on the stepper assembly.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/543,858 filed Oct. 28, 2015 and co-pending U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/569,254 filed Jun. 24, 2016. The disclosure of the above applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to exercise machines. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to exercise machines commonly referred to stepper machines.

BACKGROUND

As people eat better and work longer, mostly sitting in an office, they wish to use exercise machines more frequently. As a result, many families prefer to purchase one to use at home. However, exercise machines generally available in the market either consume too much space at home or are expensive. They are usually limited to one function and thus cannot meet the varying needs of a particular user or the requirements from different people at the same time.

Exercise machines having alternating reciprocating pedals are configured to travel about a closed, elliptical path to simulate a stride, running, walking, and/or a climbing motion, and are commonly referred to as elliptical exercise machines. Currently, no such elliptical exercise machines are available to meet the various requirements as mentioned above.

Therefore, traditional elliptical exercise machines require an improved design to accommodate different user requirements and/or reduce the cost and space needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a left view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows one way of using an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows another way of using an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments and aspects of the inventions will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present inventions.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

Embodiments of the invention improve the traditional elliptical exercise machines by providing both a handlebar assembly and a seating assembly on the exercise machine, allowing a user of the exercise machine to choose to either hold onto the handlebar assembly or sit on a seat as he or she wishes while using the exercise machine.

In general, an elliptical exercise machine includes a pair of reciprocating pedals for receiving and supporting the feet of a user. Each reciprocating pedal has at least one end supported for rotational motion about a pivot point, with the other end supported in a manner configured to cause the reciprocating pedal to travel around a closed path, such as a reciprocating elliptical path or other similar geometric outline. Therefore, upon operation of the elliptical exercise machine, each reciprocating pedal is caused to travel around the closed path, thereby simulating a stride motion of the user for exercise purposes. The reciprocating pedals are configured to be out of phase with one another by 180 degrees to simulate a proper and natural alternating stride motion.

In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a base supporting frame, a handlebar assembly, a seating assembly, and a stepper assembly. The base supporting frame, having a front end and a rear end, is adapted to be positioned on a support surface. The handlebar assembly is positioned at the front end of the base supporting frame and secured to the base supporting frame. The seating assembly is positioned at the rear end of the base supporting frame and secured to the base supporting frame. The seating assembly is configured with a seat whose height is adjustable. The stepper assembly is positioned between the seating assembly and the handlebar assembly and on the base supporting frame. The stepper assembly includes a pair of first and second reciprocating pedals rotatably mounted on the stepper assembly. The seating assembly is adapted for a user of the exercise machine to sit on the seating assembly while the user's feet are placed on the pedals. The handlebar assembly is adapted for the user to hold onto while the user is standing on the pedals.

Referring FIG. 1, an exercise machine 100 according to an embodiment of the invention includes base supporting frame 120, handlebar assembly 140, seating assembly 160, and stepper assembly 180. Base supporting frame 120 is adapted to provide floor support for the exercise machine on a support surface. Handlebar assembly 140 is positioned at the front end of base supporting frame 120 and secured to base supporting frame 120. Seating assembly 160 is positioned at the rear end of base supporting frame 120 and also secured to base supporting frame 120. Stepper assembly 180 is positioned between handlebar assembly 140 and seating assembly 160 and on base supporting frame 120.

Base supporting frame 120 includes central frame 122 in the longitudinal direction of exercise machine 100 and several bars 124, 126, 128 transversely secured to the central frame to support handlebar assembly 140, seating assembly 160, and stepper assembly 180. In embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8, three bars 124, 126, 128 are secured to central frame 122 of base supporting frame 120 and configured to support handlebar assembly 140, seating assembly 160, and stepper assembly 180, respectively.

Handlebar assembly 140 includes handlebar 142 and an elongated section 146 linking handlebar 142 to base supporting frame 120. Handlebar 142 is configured for a user of exercise machine 100 to hold onto while the user is standing on exercise machine 100. In one embodiment, elongated section 146 includes two or more hollow rods 148, 150 linked together and configured in such a way that the user may change the length of elongated section 146 by adjusting the connection between the hollow rods, thereby changing the height of handlebar assembly 140. Changing the height of handlebar assembly 140 allows the user to adapt exercise machine 100 to fit his or her physical condition. Handlebar assembly 140 may optionally include stiffening member 144 to strengthen the connection between handlebar assembly 140 and base supporting frame 120 that secures those two components.

In one embodiment, handlebar 142 is removable from handlebar assembly 140 and can be replaced by a table (not shown), e.g., a laptop table. The table can be configured for use by the user either while standing or sitting on exercise machine 100 by adjusting the height of handlebar assembly 140 and the position of the table relative to seating assembly 160. To adjust the relative position of the table with seating assembly 160, the table is configured with a frame under the table with one or more rails slidably coupled with the elongated section 146 of handlebar assembly 140. By moving the table desirably towards seating assembly 160, the user can easily reach the table for normal use while sitting on seating assembly 160. Examples of using the table includes, but not limited to, reading a novel, reviewing lecture materials on a laptop or tablet, attending an online webinar or web-based conference, etc.

Seating assembly 160 includes seat 162, a pair of handrails 166, 168 for the user to hold onto while sitting on seat 162, and foldable backrest 164. Seating assembly 160 also includes elongated section 172 linking seat 162 to base supporting frame 120. As with elongated section of handlebar assembly 140, elongated section 172 includes two or more hollow rods 174, 176 linked together and configured in such a way that the user may change the length of elongated section 172 by adjusting the connection between the hollow rods, thereby changing the height of seating assembly 160. Seating assembly 160 may optionally include stiffening member 170 to strengthen the connection between seating assembly 160 and base supporting frame 120 that secures those two components.

Stepper assembly 180 includes a pair of first and second reciprocating pedals 182, 184 rotatably mounted on the stepper assembly for receiving and supporting the feet of a user. Stepper assembly 180 also includes wheel assembly 198 positioned between reciprocating pedals 182, 184. Each reciprocating pedal has at least one end supported for rotational motion about a pivot point, with the other end supported in a manner configured to cause the reciprocating pedal to travel around a closed path. For example, one end of first pedal 182 is supported by hanging member 194 for rotational motion about a pivot point 199. The other end of first pedal 182 is supported by wheel assembly 198 so as to cause first pedal 182 to move along a closed, elliptical path. Similarly, one end of second pedal 184 is supported by hanging member 196 for rotational motion about a counterpart pivot point. The other end of second pedal 184 is also supported by wheel assembly 198 so as to cause second pedal 184 to move along an elliptical path. In one embodiment, the first and second reciprocating pedals 182, 184 are configured to be out of phase with one another by 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the first and second reciprocating pedals 182, 184 are supported by wheel assembly 198 at a first position and a second position, respectively, and the first and second positions are located on opposite edges of a diameter of wheel assembly 198. Therefore, upon operation of exercise machine 100, each reciprocating pedal is caused to travel around the closed path, thereby simulating a stride motion of the user for exercise purposes.

In one embodiment, each of the first and second reciprocating pedals 182, 184 has friction increasing features 190, 192 and a heightened boundary 186, 188 to prevent the user from slipping off the pedals. The heightened boundaries 186, 188 are preferably higher than the shoes of the user. In one embodiment, the friction increasing features are in form of a series of protrusions that approximate a shoe's shape. Other forms of friction increasing features are also contemplated.

FIG. 2 shows a left view of an exercise machine corresponding to the perspective view of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 show how a user may use exercise machine according to an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 3, a user is standing on the reciprocating pedals and holding onto the handlebar of exercise machine 100. In FIG. 4, a user is sitting on the seating assembly of exercise machine 100 and holding onto the handrails of the seating assembly, while the user's feet are placed on the pedals.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a top view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 9, stepper assembly 180 includes knob 183 configured to adjust the movement resistance of the reciprocating pedals to provide varying exercise intensity levels. In one embodiment, the movement resistance of the reciprocating pedals is controlled by the distance between rotatable wheel 185 in wheel assembly 198 and friction disc 187, which is non-movable. Rotating knob 183 results in a change of the distance between rotatable wheel 185 in wheel assembly 198 and friction disc 187. The smaller the distance, the more resistance between rotatable wheel 185 in wheel assembly 198 and friction disc 187, which translates to a higher exercise intensity level.

In one embodiment, stepper assembly 180 includes a display for displaying data related to an exercise session. For example, such data may include the time spent on an exercise session, the calorie consumed, the number of revolutions of the pedals, etc.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise machine, comprising: a base supporting frame adapted to be positioned on a support surface, the base supporting frame having a front end and a rear end; a handlebar assembly positioned at the front end of the base supporting frame and secured to the base supporting frame; a seating assembly positioned at the rear end of the base supporting frame and secured to the base supporting frame, the seating assembly configured with a seat whose height is adjustable; and a stepper assembly positioned between the handlebar assembly and the seating assembly and on the base supporting frame, the stepper assembly having a pair of first and second reciprocating pedals rotatably mounted on the stepper assembly, wherein the seating assembly is adapted for a user of the exercise machine to sit on the seating assembly while the user's feet are placed on the reciprocating pedals, and the handlebar assembly is adapted for the user to hold onto while the user is standing on the reciprocating pedals.
 2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the reciprocating pedals are configured to move along an elliptical path.
 3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the first and second reciprocating pedals are configured to be out of phase with one another by 180 degrees.
 4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the first and second reciprocating pedals are rotatably linked to a wheel assembly at a first position and a second position, respectively, the wheel assembly being positioned between the first and second reciprocating pedals, the first and second positions being on opposite edges of a diameter of the wheel assembly.
 5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first and second reciprocating pedals each is linked to a hanging member rotatably secured to the stepper assembly.
 6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handlebar assembly comprises a removable bar, the removable bar being replaceable by a table.
 7. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the height of the table is adjustable.
 8. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the table is adapted for use by the user both while sitting on the seat and while standing on the first and second reciprocating pedals by adjusting the height of the table.
 9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the seating assembly comprises a pair of handrails for the user to hold onto while sitting on the seat.
 10. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein the seating assembly comprises a foldable backrest.
 11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handlebar assembly and the seating assembly each has a stiffening member to strengthen a connection between the base supporting frame and the handlebar assembly or the seating assembly.
 12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the reciprocating pedals have friction increasing features and a heightened boundary to prevent the user from slipping off the reciprocating pedals.
 13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the stepper assembly comprises a knob configured to adjust a movement resistance of the reciprocating pedals.
 14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the stepper assembly comprises a display to display information regarding how the user exercise.
 15. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the seating assembly comprise an elongated section having two or more hollow rods configured to adjust the height of the seat. 